MINCO, Okla. – A former Minco police officer was taken into custody by the Canadian County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities say 33-year-old Robby Smith was taken into custody on charges of implements of husbandry and conspiracy to commit a felony.

According to the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into Smith began after the Sheriff’s Office received complaints of property thefts by citizens in the southwest Canadian County.

During the investigation, Sheriff’s Investigators uncovered evidence that led them to believe some of the stolen items had been taken to a nearby property.

Investigators say they found pieces of stolen farm equipment and a stolen pick-up truck at the nearby property.

Canadian County Sheriff Randall Edwards said, “My investigators quickly learned that some of the items found, tied in with and was a part of a larger theft ring where multiple tractors and pieces of machinery and equipment had been taken, involving tens of thousands of dollars.”

Investigators developed information from the property owner that led to the residence of Robby Smith.

Authorities say they received a full confession from Smith.

His confession led to the recovery of multiple tractors and pieces of equipment, spanning into three different counties.

Sheriff Edwards said, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We fully expect there to be multiple arrests and additional stolen property recovered as a result of Robby’s confession and involvement.”

Smith was booked into the Canadian County Jail on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and larceny of implements of husbandry.